WW-Friendly Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Muffins: A Comprehensive Low-Point Recipe

Welcome to our detailed guide on crafting WW-friendly Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Muffins. This recipe is perfect for those following a Weight Watchers (WW) program, offering a delicious, low-point option that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Our detailed guide will take you through every step, including ingredient preparation, baking instructions, and nutritional information, to ensure you get the most out of this delightful recipe.

Ingredients

For the Muffins:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (240 g), low-fat or non-fat
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (60 g)
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour (30 g)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (60 g), melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30 g), softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated erythritol (30 g), or your preferred low-calorie sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts, 2 tablespoons, optional)
  • A light sprinkle of additional erythritol cinnamon mix (for extra flavor, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or greasing the cups lightly with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the muffins after baking.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of almond flour, 1/4 cup of coconut flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 4 large eggs, and 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to blend these ingredients until they are smooth and well combined. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix again.
  4. Combine Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the muffins.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
    • In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of granulated erythritol, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until you achieve a smooth, spreadable mixture.
  6. Assemble Muffins:
    • Divide the muffin batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Place a small dollop of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of each muffin. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  7. Add Garnishes:
    • If desired, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with chopped nuts or a light sprinkle of additional erythritol and cinnamon mix. This step adds a bit of texture and extra flavor.
  8. Bake Muffins:
    • Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
  9. Cool Muffins:
    • Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set properly and prevents them from falling apart.
  10. Storage Tips:
    • Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
  11. Reheating Muffins:
    • To reheat, place muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
  12. Dietary Considerations:
    • Ensure that all ingredients used are compliant with your Weight Watchers program. Opt for low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese and use low-calorie sweeteners to keep the recipe within your points range.
  13. Flavor Variations:
    • Customize the muffins by adding other flavorings or ingredients, such as a few drops of almond extract, or incorporating sugar-free chocolate chips into the batter.
  14. Meal Prep and Batch Cooking:
    • These muffins are great for meal prepping. Prepare a batch and keep them on hand for a quick and easy breakfast or snack throughout the week.
  15. Special Occasions:
    • Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Muffins are ideal for special occasions or brunches. Their delightful cinnamon flavor and soft texture make them a hit with family and friends.
  16. Nutritional Benefits:
    • Cottage cheese and almond flour provide protein and healthy fats, while keeping the carbohydrate content low. These muffins are a filling and nutritious option that fits well into a balanced diet.
  17. Portion Control:
    • Be mindful of portion sizes to stay within your daily SmartPoints limit. This recipe yields 12 muffins, so adjust your serving size according to your dietary needs.
  18. Serving Suggestions:
    • Enjoy these muffins on their own or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a low-point breakfast or as an afternoon snack.
  19. Enhancing Texture:
    • For added crunch, consider topping the muffins with a sprinkle of chia seeds or flaxseeds before baking. These additions can provide extra texture and nutritional benefits.
  20. Nutritional Information and SmartPoints:

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin, Makes 12 Muffins)

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 9g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 2g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 6g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints Value:

  • SmartPoints: 4 (per muffin, based on Weight Watchers 2024 calculation)

Conclusion

Our WW-friendly Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Swirl Muffins are a delightful low-point treat that offers the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. With only 4 SmartPoints per muffin, they are an excellent choice for those adhering to a Weight Watchers program. Follow this detailed guide to create these scrumptious muffins, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or special occasions. Enjoy the delicious blend of cottage cheese, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness while staying on track with your dietary goals.